Commissioner willing to investigate privacy breach complaints

Ed Ring, the province's information and privacy commissioner, is advising members of the public who are contacted by Service Newfoundland and Labrador in relation to a recent privacy breach at the Motor Registration Division that they have a right to file a complaint with his office.

Ring also issued a clarification on the breach. He said at least one media outlet appeared to be under the impression that his office was already investigating the privacy breach when information was released about it by government.

"That is not the case, and we had no knowledge of the breach until the day of the news release," Ring said.

However, he said, his office is prepared to investigate any complaints and people should not be dissuaded from coming forward, based on any misunderstanding that an investigation is already underway or their particular complaint is not important.

"I do understand that Service NL is conducting its own internal investigation of this matter, and whether or not we receive any complaints from individuals, we look forward to hearing from the department when they have concluded their own analysis,” Ring added.

Anyone wishing to file a privacy complaint may do so by first contacting the commissioner’s office at 729-6309 or toll-free at 1-888-729-6309. More information about the role and mandate of the commissioner’s office can be found at www.oipc.nl.ca